Pakistan’s Air Force fighter JF-17 fighter jets fly past during the multinational naval exercise ‘AMAN-23’ in the Arabian Sea near Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on February 13, 2023. Photo: AFP
Pakistan carried out “calibrated” air strikes against terrorist hideouts near the Afghan border following a series of deadly attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) said on Monday.
“In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of K-P, a well-planned intelligence-based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes against the hideouts and safe havens of terrorist organisations responsible for these attacks, said MOIB in a statement.
The development emerged after 23 people, including 15 police personnel, were martyred in the blast at a mosque in Kohat’s Police Lines during Friday prayers. During the search and clearance operation, eight terrorists were also killed. Ittihadul Mujahideen Pakistan (IMP), led by Afghanistan-based Hafiz Gul Bahadur, has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing and rampage involving multiple attackers.
The ministry said that on September 20, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation against a group of terrorists in Kohat and Hangu districts. “As a result of precise and skilful engagement, nine khwarij belonging to the Indian proxy Fitna al-Khawarij were sent to hell, while several were injured.”
“Moreover, based on credible intelligence, selective targeting of terrorist camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al-khwarij and its affiliates has also been carried out in the border region with Afghanistan with precision and accuracy. Three targets were destroyed with precision, including a suicide bombers’ training markaz, killing twenty-eight terrorists alongside multiple suicide bombers. Large quantities of weapons and ammunition stored at these Marakiz and hideouts were also destroyed,” it added.
In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, a well planned intelligence based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes…
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) September 21, 2026
The statement said Pakistan had always strived to maintain peace and stability in the region, but the safety and security of its citizens remained its foremost priority.
“It is a matter of grave concern that Afghanistan continues to remain a hub of terrorism. The threat to Pakistan emanates from Afghanistan. In this context, our action precisely targeted the terrorist hubs. Maximum precautions were taken, and it was ensured that no collateral damage occurred,” the MoIB said.
The ministry further stated that the counterterrorism campaign, Ghazab lil Haq, being carried out by Pakistan’s security forces and law enforcement agencies under the “Azm-e-Istehkam” framework, would continue at full pace to eliminate what it described as the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country.
